Category: ENG 4U

Over the next few days, we will focus on individual skills. While we haven’t completely decided on the form of assessment (videos, perhaps?) we know that each of you will address a particular issue present in your writing. The goal is for each of you to become a better writer, correct? So choose wisely. Choosing…

An organizing principle is a basic idea or strategy we use to organize our world. Think of it this way: all of the methods you can use to sort your MP3s—by artist, by song title, or by date—are organizing principles. Your choice shapes the way you can access the files. In a similar way, writers…

Ladies and gents, we have been together for 2 days. So far, I’d say that things are going rather well, wouldn’t you? Thus, I feel comfortable broaching this rather awkward topic much earlier than I have in the past. You may want to sit down for this. Oh. Right. You are sitting. Ready? Here we…

About this Course A few years ago, a brave student stuck a note next to my room number. She turned room 221 into room 221B, as in: Sherlock Holmes 221B Baker St, Marylebone, London Bit cheeky, huh? But here’s the thing. This student’s joke is a brilliant metaphor for what a classroom can be: a…

Ladies and Gents, We will dedicate this week to writing comparative essays. A few things: You should already have a copy of the comparative essay infographic Still, I have attached one just in case. Carefully review this 4U comparative essay rubric; note that the entire Application section deals with sourcing and MLA.b I will ask you…

Congratulations! You and your shoulder partner have finally been given credit for the incredible poetry that you wrote under those pseudonyms. What were they? Shakespeare? Dickinson? Donne? It doesn’t really matter. Finally, you can leave these fake names behind, and embrace your talent for verse. Still, don’t expect everyone to instantly believe you. On Friday, you will…

Ladies and gents, we have been together for 3 days. So far, I’d say that things are going rather well, wouldn’t you? Thus, I feel comfortable broaching this rather awkward topic much earlier than I have in the past. You may want to sit down for this. Oh. Right. You are sitting. Ready? Here we…

Yesterday, we had a spirited discussion about a very controversial video game. Today, we will expand this conversation to include virtual worlds like Second Life. While I will show you roughly 1/2 hour of footage, I hope the majority of time will be dedicated to the same kind of discussion we had yesterday. Here are…

We need to decide the order of presentations for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. We will do this by pulling pieces of paper out of a Centurion helmet. Fitting, yes? I cannot change the date of presentations. If you wish to change your date, you must find someone in the class who is willing to switch with…